Student participating in one of the four marine science labs in the new learning center. (M.Rivera)

Students, faculty and guests gathered at the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology’s (HIMB) Marine Science Research Learning Center, Thursday, January 13, to celebrate the opening of its new building on Coconut Island.

Funding for the building came from a variety of sources. HIMB worked with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Pacific Island Region to develop a place for hands-on marine science education for Hawai‘i’s K-12 students. The Harold K. L. Castle and the Emmett R. Quady foundations provided additional funds needed to complete the facility. Honolulu CC donated a sophisticated audio-visual system with integrated microscopes and in-kind contributions and building materials were provided by Brett Hill Construction. The facility is equipped with laptops, digital microscopes and supplies to conduct investigative marine science labs.

“This new building will afford more opportunities to our local high school students and help provide pathways to careers for our future marine scientists,” said Malia Rivera, principal investigator of the HIMB Education Program. “We are pleased to be able to offer this state-of-the-art facility to Hawai‘i’s schools.”

The opening was conducted in tandem with the awards luncheon for the recipients of the Carol Ann and Myron K. Hayashida and Alan Church Environmental Steward SOEST scholarships, which support local undergraduate and graduate students pursing studies in marine science. The scholarships cover the cost of school tuition and books, and provide funding for student research projects.

The 2011 awardees include: Veronica Gibson, Bethany Kimokeo, Darin Hayakawa, and Kaipo Perez III. All four recipients graduated from Hawai‘i high schools and showed high academic merit while pursuing their studies.

“We are so proud of the amazing work that our students accomplish,” said Jo-Ann Leong, director of HIMB. “We are grateful to be able to offer these prestigious awards.”